Mitragyna speciosa, a psychoactive tree from Southeast Asia with opioid activity

• Published in: Current topics in medicinal chemistry Vol. 11; no. 9; p. 1165
• Main Authors: Adkins, Jessica E, Boyer, Edward W, McCurdy, Christopher R
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United Arab Emirates 01.05.2011
• Subjects: Alkaloids - chemical synthesis; Alkaloids - pharmacology; Analgesics, Opioid - chemical synthesis; Analgesics, Opioid - pharmacology; Animals; Asia, Southeastern; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Guinea Pigs; Humans; Mice; Mitragyna - chemistry; Plant Extracts - pharmacology; Plant Leaves - chemistry; Rats; Receptors, Opioid - agonists; Receptors, Opioid - metabolism; Secologanin Tryptamine Alkaloids - chemical synthesis; Secologanin Tryptamine Alkaloids - pharmacology; Structure-Activity Relationship; United States; Asia, Southeastern; United States

Mitragyna speciosa Korth. (Rubiaceae) is a tree that is commonly found in Southeast Asia. Leaves from this tree have been traditionally been used for both their stimulant properties as well as an opium substitute. The tree/leaves are currently illegal in four countries, but is currently legal and wi...